BY Mabinty M. Kamara
The National Coalition on Extractives (NACE) has in a report launched on Tuesday urged the government of Sierra Leone to develop a clear strategic document on mining and extractives in Sierra Leone.
The report, titled ‘Sierra Leone Minerals Sector; New Directions towards a new destination, was authored by the development expert Herbert McLeod and funded by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa.
The 34-pages long report covers issues affecting mining communities such as community development, environmental degradation, and unfulfilled promises, among other issues. The report was launched alongside NACE’s latest newsletter which depicts real stories of the lives of communities living in mining communities.
Dr. Mustapha Olajiday Thomas, Head of Department of Geology, Fourah Bay College, who chaired the launch of the report, explained that the mineral resource sector used to be the traditional source of foreign exchange and historically has accounted for about 90% of total export and 60% of GDP.
“In 2013- 2014 Sierra Leone became one of the fastest growing economies in the world which was occasioned by a world class production and marketing of Iron Ore in Port Loko and Tonkolili district, but it is sad to say that the socio economic benefit that characterized that boom were rather short lived,” he said.
Dr Thomas added: “This is the time that the government needs to recalibrate its policies and law in readiness for the next boom, which I believe is not far away. Already we have seen government’s step to review the mining policies and to put them in line with the African Mining Vision.”
According to Cecelia Mattia, National Coordinator of NACE, the report is to support the government in its drive to ensure that the mining sector benefits Sierra Leoneans.
Joe Pemagbi, Country Director of OSIWA, noted that they engage partners with different tools in two thematic areas, which are grant and research, because they want their partners to advocate from an informed point of view to add value to the existing situation. He added that they will continue to support Civil Society Organizations and he called for collaboration between government and CSOs.
Pemagbi urged government officials to start reengaging NGOs and civil society groups on the mining development cooperation.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to Honorable [Mathew] Nyuma and the Minister here to provide the space to reengage on the development cooperation framework. We are all in this business together. Yes, I know there are misunderstandings about the role of NGOs or Civil Society Organizations, but I think if we all try to understand where we all came from, it will serve all of us better, ”he said.
Foday Rado Yokie, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, said that he appreciates the report so much because it resonates with his aspiration of cleaning the extractive sector in Sierra Leone. He said the state of mining has dropped in the country over the years, contributing only 4% of the country’s GDP.
“We will not dictate but collaborate for the betterment of this country. Our mineral resources must benefit the people of Sierra Leone,” he said.
He assured of government support to ensuring that the document is popularized, and he said that he will ensure that issues in the report are sent to the Attorney General’s office to be included in the draft review of the Mines and Minerals Development Act.
“We have to change the narratives. When I read the document, I said Yes! It is in line with my vision of cleansing the mineral sector. The relationship between mining communities must be a win-win. I assure you that we will take this in good fate, and it will be taken to the Attorney General’s office to be added on the review of the Mines and Minerals Act,” he said.
© 2019 Politico Online
